Application of 2-D Basin Modeling for Evaluation of Petroleum Potential of Outer Part of Hazara-Kashmir Syntaxis, Sub-Himalayas, Pakistan
Ahsan, Asif Ahsan 1; Hussain, Abid 1;
Muhammad Saqab, Mudasar 1
(1)Pakistan Petroleum Limited, Karachi,
Pakistan.
One of the most logical ways to understand risk in frontier
hydrocarbon exploration is to assess presence of effective source rock and
hydrocarbon volume generated and expelled in an area. In addition to
understanding these phenomena, basin modeling can address key questions related
to maturation timing, transformation ratio, migration and accumulation of
hydrocarbons by considering geologically plausible range of thermal and
geochemical parameters. Understanding thus gained may help identify critical
risk elements in a petroleum system context, which in turn, can provide proper
risk mitigation measures. Outer part of Hazara-Kashmir-Syntaxis (HKS) has been
selected for hydrocarbon prospectivity evaluation as it is still unexplored and
located just to the east of prolific Potwar Basin (Pakistan). Literature review
suggests presence of similar structural
framework and Paleogene stratigraphy in
HKS as that of Potwar Basin where Paleocene - Eocene petroleum system is
producing oil and gas from a number of fields e.g. Pindori and Balkassar. In
this study, 2D basin modeling was performed by considering different
geochemical and thermal parameters appropriate to the geological setting of HKS
area along a
structural
cross
section prepared by using existing geological
maps
and relevant subsurface information gained from wells’ data of Potwar
Basin. The results of the study are intriguing from an exploration standpoint
and suggest hydrocarbon generation, expulsion and migration from Paleocene
Patala source rock during Neogene time. The Eocene? migration event is
synchronous with major structuration in the area, which is conducive for
hydrocarbon accumulation in Eocene carbonate reservoirs. Results of the study
suggest presence as well as likelihood of working of Paleocene - Eocene
petroleum system in outer part of HKS.
AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90135©2011 AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, Milan, Italy, 23-26 October 2011.